MEETING DATE:
MARCH 10, 2026
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-9550 - AWARDING A CONTRACT TO BRAUN NORTHWEST, INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) RECHASSIS TYPE III AMBULANCE AND AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE RELATED DOCUMENTS.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
ADOPT a resolution approving the purchase of one (1) rechassis type III ambulance from Braun Northwest, Inc., and delegating authority to the City Manager to negotiate, finalize, and execute any related documents.
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Board or Commission Action
Not Applicable
Executive Summary
The San Marcos Fire Department maintains a four-year ambulance rechassis schedule due to increased mileage and wear associated with continued growth in call volume, as well as rising maintenance needs as units age. The Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Adopted Budget authorized the purchase of one rechassis ambulance and one new ambulance.
At this time, specifications for the new ambulance are not yet finalized, preventing staff from proceeding with its procurement. To maintain the Department’s established fleet replacement schedule and ensure reliability of frontline emergency response units, staff recommends purchasing one rechassis ambulance.
Discussion
The Fire Department’s call volume continues to increase, resulting in higher mileage and maintenance demands on the Department’s first-line ambulances. The ambulance rechassis program provides the enhancements necessary to maintain a safe and reliable frontline fleet while managing long-term replacement costs. The Department’s fleet replacement model schedules each frontline ambulance for rechassis every four (4) years.
New ambulances are programmed for replacement when an existing unit is no longer a viable candidate for rechassis. This typically occurs when the ambulance module and related components are no longer compatible with a new chassis, require substantial refurbishment, or when the level of repair necessary becomes less efficient and more costly than purchasing a new ambulance. This evaluation ensures the City maintains operational reliability while maximizing cost-effectiveness over the life of each vehicle.
In accordance with San Marcos Municipal Code Section 2.30.110 (Cooperative Purchasing), the City may procure equipment through competitively solicited cooperative purchasing agreements with public agencies within the United States. Staff recommends procuring the ambulance rechassis units through the Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGACBuy) cooperative purchasing program, of which the City is an active member. HGACBuy has competitively bid and entered into a contract with Braun Northwest (Bid No. AM 10-23) for the purchase of emergency vehicles, including ambulance rechassis.
A determining factor in selecting Braun Northwest, Inc., in addition to price, was its ability to rechassis its product. Utilizing this sustainable rechassis replacement model provides cost savings and reduces the frequency of purchasing entirely new ambulances. The purchase of each ambulance rechassis is scheduled to occur every four (4) years for each respective vehicle.
Staff recommends authorizing the award of the contract to Braun Northwest, Inc., and delegating authority to the City Manager to negotiate, finalize, and execute the contract and all related documents thereafter in accordance with SMMC Chapter 2.30.
Environmental Review
Not Applicable
Fiscal Impact
Based on these specifications, the following defines the one-time cost elements contained within the ambulance rechassis total purchase price and cost to the Vehicle & Equipment Replacement Fund:
Rechassis Cost $ 207,483
Sales Tax (8.75%) $ 18,155
Fees $ 3,312
Total: $ 228,950
Attachment(s)
Resolution
Prepared by: Dean White, Division Chief
Submitted by: Heather Todd, Fire/EMS Administrative Services Manager
Reviewed by: Dan Barron, Fire Chief
Approved by: Michelle Bender, City Manager